Job Description
* Job Title: Head of Operations
* Location: Royal Botanical Garden Edinburgh, 20A Inverleith Row, Edinburgh, EH3 5NZ
* Salary: £competitive + Bonus + Flexible benefits fund
* Working hours: 40 hours / 5 over 7 days
Job Introduction
We seek an experienced and dynamic Head of Operations for the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, a flagship venue within our Heritage Portfolio sites. This pivotal role will drive operational excellence, strengthen client relationships, and deliver outstanding visitor and customer experiences across all catering and events services. The successful candidate will lead, develop, and manage the catering operations team, ensuring the highest quality, safety, and innovation standards while delivering commercial success.
This position requires a proactive approach to continuous improvement, financial management, and a commitment to creating a safe, welcoming environment where excellence is the standard.
What You'll Do
Team Leadership and Development
* Maintain high performing teams through effective annual appraisals, staff engagement surveys, talent development, and succession planning.
Recruitment and Training
* Recruit, train, and develop team members to ensure their skills align with their roles and personal development plans.
Financial Management
* Achieve financial objectives by analysing monthly results, providing accurate forecasts, and delegating responsibilities to direct reports.
Operational Performance Improvement
* Identify opportunities to enhance performance across all catering functions, including retail, events, internal functions, and staff amenities.
Client Engagement and Contract Management
* Monitor client relationships and performance to support contract extension opportunities and ensure client satisfaction.
Client Relationship Building
* Liaise with clients to understand their objectives and develop tailored strategies that align with the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh activities.
Health and Safety Compliance
* Promote a zero harm culture by managing quality control, health, safety and hygiene standards in line with company policies.
Incident Reporting and Response
* Report any incidents, accidents, or safety concerns immediately and take appropriate action according to company procedures.
Operational Support
* Provide operational support and ensure the effective delivery of services as directed by leadership.
What you bring
* Experience managing a team in the events industry
* Strong commercial background with responsibility for managing a complex venue P and L
* A passionate interest in the catering industry, knowledge of current trends and interest in the hospitality world
* Demonstrable experience in a high volume hospitality and retail catering environment
* A competent communicator and ability to present to colleagues, peers and clients
* Evidence of being organised and possessing excellent planning skills
* Ability to competently use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Email
* Proven record of managing a team encompassing operations, culinary, coordination and finance
* Ability to motivate a team of mixed abilities and personalities
Desirable
* Experience and understanding of event costings and design of events
* Staff training experience or qualification
* Experience in assisting to create a sales and marketing plan
* Capability to identify and highlight revenue‑maximising opportunities
* Ability to produce accurate work to tight deadlines under pressure
* First aid and personal alcohol licence qualifications
* High degree of dependability and self‑reliance
What we offer
* Unlimited access to an online platform offering mental health and wellbeing support.
* Employee Assistance Programme to help with everyday issues or larger problems where additional support may be needed.
* Access to a free health and wellbeing app that provides rewards for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and includes a 24‑hour virtual GP and other services.
* The Sodexo Discounts Scheme, offering great deals 24/7 (also open to friends and family) and a prepayment cashback card.
* Money Insights and financial benefits via the Salary Finance Platform.
* Membership of the Sodexo Retirement Plan.
* Death‑in‑Service benefit for colleagues who pass away whilst employed by Sodexo.
* Opportunities for learning and development, including tools for career growth.
* Cycle‐to‐Work Scheme to help colleagues reduce their environmental impact.
* Volunteering opportunities for community service.
* Flexible and dynamic work environment.
* Competitive compensation.
* Full training and full protective uniform supplied.
Equal Opportunities
We are committed to being an inclusive employer. We are a forces friendly employer. We welcome and encourage applications from people with a diverse range of experiences, backgrounds, and identities. We encourage employees to get involved with our Employee Networks such as Pride, Sodexo Parents & Carers, Sodexo Disability, Ability Network, So Together, Generations and Origins.
We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer and are committed to changing attitudes towards disability, ensuring disabled people have the opportunity to fulfil their aspirations.
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